Bukit Mertajam sits on the main KTM Intercity rail line between Kuala Lumpur and Butterworth (for the Penang ferry). Intercity trains from KL take around 4 hours; it is also a quick 20-minute hop from Butterworth. The station is the most convenient arrival point.
By road, the town is easily reached from George Town via the Penang Bridge — the mainland-side expressway junction leads directly into Bukit Mertajam. Buses run from Butterworth bus terminal and from Penang Sentral. From Kuala Lumpur, intercity buses serve the town directly, or take a bus to Butterworth and change.